800 pay respects to state police Sgt. Douglas Weddleton in Brockton

Tuesday

Jun 22, 2010 at 12:01 AMJun 22, 2010 at 10:22 PM

As solemn troopers stood by Weddleton's casket, those who attended the wake said his widow and sons shook hands with those who passed through. Weddleton was killed early Friday during a traffic stop on Interstate 95 in Mansfield. Two videos are below the story.

Maureen Boyle

Close to 800 people paid respects to state police Sgt. Douglas A. Weddleton during the first hours of the wake for the 52-year-old Brockton resident killed while on duty last Friday on Interstate 95 in Mansfield.

Hundreds waited in line inside Our Lady of Lourdes Church on West Street while at least 150 more waited outside late Tuesday afternoon.

As solemn troopers stood by his casket, those who attended the wake said Weddleton’s widow and sons shook hands with those who passed through .

State police troopers who worked with Weddleton at the Foxboro barracks and on the police ballistics team had formed an honor guard outside the church for when Weddleton's casket was escorted inside shortly before 12:30 p.m.

Family members were escorted inside the church just before 1 p.m. for a private viewing before the public visitation began at 1:15 p.m. The wake will last until around 8 p.m.

Those waiting to pay their respects included retired state troopers, prosecutors and police officers from throughout the region.

"We are all brothers at at time liked this," said Mansfield Police Chief Arthur O'Neill, who was one of the first in line.

At the nearby Brockton Fairgrounds, state police cruisers began arriving around 9:30 a.m. to begin preparations for the honorary walk-through at 6 p.m. Police officers from around New England will file past the casket at that time in a traditional memorial tribute to the fallen officer.

The funeral service is set for Wednesday at 11 a.m., followed by burial in Melrose Cemetery in Brockton. Gov. Deval Patrick plans to attend the funeral.

The church is expected to overflow its 650-person capacity for the funeral. Outdoor speakers may be set up for mourners unable to get into the church.

Roads in the Torrey and West street area will be be closed for the wake and funeral procession.

Support for Weddleton's family has come en masse, as seen in the long line for his wake, and it has come one-on-one. Two days after the trooper's death, for example, a state police chaplain spoke with his four sons.

The boys talked about their father, about his love, about the fun times they had.

They talked, on Father’s Day, as the Weddleton family prepared for the 52-year-old’s wake today and funeral Wednesday.

“Sometimes it was laughter through tears,” said the Rev. William Hamilton, a Catholic chaplain to the state police. “They know how special he was. They realized what they had and what they have lost.”

“Within the past week, we have lost between six and seven police officers in the country,” Hamilton said. “That is what is most sobering. You realize the tremendous risk that these people take every week.”

Weddleton was killed last Friday on I-95 in Mansfield after an accused drunken driver hit a car he had stopped on a closed ramp, dragging the sergeant across the highway. Weddleton was working a construction detail at the time.

Just hours earlier, Weddleton had attended his youngest son’s eighth-grade graduation. And, as he left the house, the priest said, his last words to his wife were: “I love you.”

Weddleton and his wife, Judy, were to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in August.

“Sgt. Weddleton, as much as he loved the job he loved his family more,” Hamilton, a state police police chaplain since 1996, said. “He was the compass for the family. He instilled within them great resiliency.

The Rev. Frank Cloherty, pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes, said a letter from Cardinal Sean O’Malley will be read during the funeral service and a number of dignitaries are also expected to attend.

Jacki Archard, a close family friend, read a brief statement from the Weddleton family outside the church Monday, thanking people for the outpouring of support in this time of grief.

Those who knew Weddleton said his loss will be felt by many in the years to come.

“He was just the kindest man you ever met,” said state Trooper John Conroy, who worked with Weddleton in ballistics and is serving as the family’s liaison. “He was a true gentleman, just a sweet man.”

One of Weddleton’s sons created a Facebook page Friday to honor his father. “The greatest father in the world. Most hardworking, nicest, likeable guy ever. R.I.P Dad! I love you so much!” he wrote. Hundreds of people have already signed onto the page.

Conroy said Weddleton’s children are showing the same strength now that their father showed in his life. “They are gentlemen,” he said. “Their composure is remarkable.”

Maureen Boyle may be reached at mboyle@enterprisenews.com.

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